The Jefferson Public Radio newsroom is among the winners of the 2019 regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. The Murrows are presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) to recognize outstanding broadcast and online journalism.
JPR won in the Hard News and Continuing Coverage categories in RTDNA's Northwest small market division. That's made up of public and commercial radio stations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. This is the second year JPR has won awards in those categories.
"I'm thrilled to see JPR news recognized once again for its outstanding work during the past year creating high-impact journalism and telling compelling stories about our region," stated JPR Executive Director Paul Westhelle. "The work recognized by the RTDNA is the result of a team effort by our entire newsroom -- work which is made possible by the generous support of our listeners."
Listen to the winning entries:
HARD NEWS
The West Coast Tourism Industry Starts To Adapt To A Smoky Future
West Coast businesses that depend on the summertime tourist dollar took a big hit from this years’ wildfires and smoke. The same thing happened last year. And two years before that. Now, the idea that smoky summers may become the norm is beginning to take hold, and tourist operators -- and the towns that rely on them -- are looking for ways to adapt.
CONTINUING COVERAGE
The Carr Fire: Aftermath And Challenges To Recovery
In late July, the Carr fire burned through Shasta and Trinity Counties in far-northern California. Driven by dry fuels, hot temperatures and high winds, it became a "fire tornado," jumping the Sacramento River and sweeping through neighborhoods in Redding, the region's largest city. Nearly half of Redding's population had to evacuate and more than 1,000 homes were destroyed. Eight people, including three fire fighters, died. JPR stories covered how the Carr fire affected the Redding area and some of the challenges facing the recovery effort.
Regional Murrow winners are automatically entered in the national Edward R. Murrow competition. National winners will be announced in June.
